Freshman/Sophomore

Students are encouraged to visit colleges and universities throughout their high school years. Only Seniors and second-semester Juniors are allowed to miss class to do so. Approval must be arranged through the Guidance and College Counseling Department and cleared with their current teachers at least two school days prior to the visit. The parent and/or student must also notify the Attendance Office of the planned absence. A student is allowed three approved college visits per academic year.

Junior Checklist

August

During scheduling, be sure to choose classes that will meet college entrance requirements.

September/October

Pay attention to college admission representative visits at MHS. Sign up in advance if you want to attend and speak with the representative.

Keep your schedule strong and work hard. The grades you earn this year will finalize the GPA with which you apply to college next fall.

November/December

November: Registration deadline for the December SAT & Subject Tests

December: Registration deadline for the January SAT

January/February

January: Registration deadline for the February ACT

February: Registration deadline for the March SAT

Make your final exams count. This semester will finalize your 5th semester cumulative GPA. One more semester and you will know the GPA with which you apply to college in the fall.

March/April

March: Registration deadline for the April ACT

March: Registration deadline for the May SAT & Subject Tests

April: Attend The Greater Los Angeles National College Fair

April: Registration deadline for the June SAT & Subject Tests

May/June

May: Registration deadline for the June ACT

Take AP exams in May (results arrive in July)

Make plans for summer college visits. If interviews are available, make an appointment. Be sure to follow visits/interviews with thank you notes.

Start a file of brochures and applications for schools you like.

Finalize plans for summer jobs, camps, and educational opportunities.

Read your local newspaper to find out which civic, cultural, and service organizations in your area award scholarships to graduating seniors. Start a file.

Students are encouraged to visit colleges and universities throughout their high school years. Only Seniors and second-semester Juniors are allowed to miss class to do so. Approval must be arranged through the Guidance and College Counseling Department and cleared with their current teachers at least two school days prior to the visit. The parent and/or student must also notify the Attendance Office of the planned absence. A student is allowed three approved college visits per academic year.

Senior Checklist

August

Be sure to finalize your schedule making certain that you have all the classes you need to graduate and to meet college entrance requirements.

Registration for the September ACT

Begin to finalize your college list, request applications if they are not available online.

September/October

Registration for the October SAT & Subject Tests

Registration for the November SAT & Subject Tests (including Language with Listening)

Pay attention to the schedule of college visits to MHS. Sign up in advance.

Finalize your college essay.

Finalize your college application list.

Applications are accepted by the CSU campuses beginning October 1st. Go online to www.csumentor.edu. The final application filing deadline is November 30th.

Attend CSU and/or UC application workshops given during lunch by the counselors.

Give teachers at least two weeks notice to write letters of recommendation for you and provide them with a stamped envelope addressed to the school. No letters of recommendation are required or permitted for the CSU or UC systems.

Begin filing applications. Turn in a transcript request form with the Secondary School Report to your counselor for each private school you are applying to.

Senior Boys: You must register with Selective Service on your 18th birthday. Those not registered break the law. You also will not be eligible for financial aid for college or graduate school, nor will you ever be able to be hired by state (most states) or federal agencies.

Registration for the December SAT & Subject Tests

November/December

Applications accepted by the UC System beginning November 1, deadline is November 30th. Go online to www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions.

Observe all college application deadlines.

Be sure all applications are in sent before Winter Break. Remember, many colleges have a January 1 deadline. You will not be able to reach teachers or your counselor during the Winter Break if you have forgotten to request letters of recommendation or transcripts.

File the FAFSA on January 1st. Access the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov, or call 1-800-4FEDAID to request a copy.

If applying to private schools, find out whether they require the CSS PROFILE supplemental financial aid form. Fees are required for filing the CSS. Check with your counselor for the CSS Registration Guide Booklet that explains everything and has a list of schools that require the CSS. Website: www.collegeboard.com or call 1-800-778-6888.

January/February

Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the processor as soon after January 1 as possible (but no later than the March 2nd deadline).

Parents must get income tax forms prepared early; schools may request them to prove eligibility for financial aid.

By the beginning of February, you should have submitted all 7th semester transcript requests for schools other than the UC.

If you are still submitting applications, make certain it is filled out completely, accurately, and legibly. Submit applications online whenever possible.

Rank your finalized list of colleges.

March/April

Receive college admissions notifications.

Plan time to discuss your options with family, teachers, and counselor.

Return all paperwork on time, paying special attention to the May 1 deadline by which many colleges must have your decision and a deposit.

If you have filed the FAFSA (by March 2 latest), look for the SAR within 4-6 weeks. Call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243 if it is not received.

Visit campuses of schools you have not seen if still in doubt about a final college decision.

Continue to apply for private and independent scholarships.

Notify other schools that you will not be attending.

Santa Monica College representatives will come to school to register students for next fall. Don’t miss the after-school meeting. Listen for announcements.

May/June

It is still not too late to apply to colleges with rolling admissions (but don’t expect financial aid). Seniors still looking for colleges after May 7th, visit this page for a list of colleges with space available for qualified students: http://www.nacac.com

Make certain that your final transcript request has been filled out and returned to your counselor.

Write polite letters of refusal to all colleges you will not attend, if you have not yet done so.

Notify your counselor which school you have chosen to attend and any awards or scholarships you have received.

Students are encouraged to visit colleges and universities throughout their high school years. Only Seniors and second-semester Juniors are allowed to miss class to do so. Approval must be arranged through the Guidance and College Counseling Department and cleared with their current teachers at least two school days prior to the visit. The parent and/or student must also notify the Attendance Office of the planned absence. A student is allowed three approved college visits per academic year.